Shirley Chisholm Dared, written by Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by April Harrison, published Anne Schwartz Books, is the Winner in the Books for Younger Children category.

Shirley Chisholm Dared tells the story of the first Black woman elected to Congress. Throughout her life she dared to ask questions and challenge the status quo. This picture book biography portrays Shirley as an outspoken individual who was curious, stood her ground, pushed the boundaries of what was considered “proper” and blazed trails of her own as a teacher, a school director, a New York State Assemblywoman, and a Congresswoman, an inspiration for future generations to follow in her footsteps and dare to follow their own dreams. Harrison’s colorful illustrations, created with acrylics and mixed media collage, depict Shirley as an exuberant, life-loving child, adolescent, and adult with her own sense of fashion style and for whom rules were often meant to be broken. The dignified portrait of Shirley on the cover beckons readers to live as she lived – “unbought and unbossed.”

Author: Alicia D. Williams
Illustrator: April Harrison
Award: 2022 Winner Book for Younger Children

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